A dominant first half from the Blues was helped by two sin bins for the South African side.

Bulls were threatening to run away it and got their first try of the second half in the 54th minute when Papier claimed his second of the afternoon and the hosts’ fifth.

Munster saw their United Rugby Championship playoff hopes dented after being edged out 34-31 by the Bulls despite a spirited display in Pretoria

The home team had fly-half Johan Goosen sent off after 54 minutes for a dangerous challenge and Munster kept their composure to claim an outstanding win.

This top of the table clash was of Test match quality at times, with Leo Cullen’s men now nine points clear at the summit.

Nathan Doak kicked both conversions and added four penalties to claim 16 points